Waiting on Zapote Street: Love and Loss in Castro's Cuba

by Betty Viamontes

Winner of the 2018 Latino Books Into Movies Award, Drama TV Series.A review by Manuel C Diaz, from El Nuevo Herald (the Spanish equivalent of the Miami Herald) - translated into English."...Written using two narrative voices-Laura's mother; and that of Rio, the father - who alternate in each chapter, this wonderful novel begins with Laura leaving Cuba with her three children after having been waiting for twelve long years to be reunited with her husband in the United “She could smell the salt of the sea and hear the waves crashing against steel on that moonless April night. It was 1980, the year everything changed. "Yes, it was the year that everything changed. Not just for Laura and her family, but for hundreds of thousands of Cubans. What would come to be known as "the Mariel exodus," one of the most shameful episodes to have occurred on the island, had begun.In the following chapters the story goes back in time and sometimes in the voice of Rio and others in that of Laura, Viamontes reconstructs their lives, first, starting from the childhood and adolescence of their parents -to give us a glimpse of what Cuba was like before the arrival of the revolution - and later when they met in 1961, just as the country was entering the black night of totalitarianism."Waiting on Zapote Street" is almost a cinematically-structured novel. Its scenes follow each other with precision of time and space, as if they were those of a script. That is why the plot, although detailed and meticulous, progresses in a linear Laura and Río's wedding, the birth of children, the formation of a family and their “The day of Rio’s departure, everyone at home was sad, as if someone had died. I consoled myself with the idea that my children would soon see their father again.”But that would not happen. What follows is the moving account of a single mother with three children, trapped in the labyrinth of incivility and degradation that Cuba had become, as she tried not to be overcome by frustration and despair.The titles of each chapter can give an idea of the weight of the cross she had to endure ‘Rations’ (“In food stores they altered the weights to keep a fraction of each ounce”); ‘Protesters’ (“When they realized that my children and I were leaving the Immigration building, they began to shout obscenities at us, throw sticks and stones at us, and yell at Worms, traitors!” ...In the last chapter, of great dramatic force, the arrival of Laura and her children in Key West is “Beyond, in the distance, an American flag floated majestically against the blue sky. There were signs in Spanish "Welcome to the United States." My daughter Tania's eyes sparkled as she saw men fall to their knees and kiss the ground as they disembarked. Others hugged each other and 'At last! At last!'.______________________“From its opening shocks of loss and separation to its thrilling and emotional conclusion, Waiting on Zapote Street gives us a front-row experience of a Cuban family’s hardship, love, and enduring love.” John Henry Fleming, author and University of South Florida Creative Writing professor.“This touching narrative depicts the harrowing trials, loss and separation that hit one particular family in Cuba when Castro comes to power…The author demonstrates numerous layers of Cuban life and belief...” Judge, 25th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Public Book Awards.“We were captivated by this intimate portrayal of the impact of “la revolución.” United Nations (UN) Women Book Club of Gulf Coast.

Genres: Nonfiction

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2015

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Waiting on Zapote Street: Love and Loss in Castro's Cuba" is the best book ever! Once I started reading the book I couldn't put it down. I'm an avid reader and enjoy historical fiction, even more so with this book because the writing style flows so well when telling about life in Cuba from multiple family member's perspective. The author's style of writing and content brings the characters to life. I felt like I was in a movie with the characters instead of just reading a book. I hope this story becomes a movie, it's so enjoyable, thought provoking, and emotional reading about this family's journey and it helps me understand what my Cuban friends have experienced. Thank you Betty Viamontes for sharing this story! I'm looking forward to hearing more from this wonderful author.

[NINGARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unaware of the hardships many families were subjected to living in Castro's Cuba. I truly enjoyed reading this book and even had tears in my eyes especially when reading the last few chapters. Thank you for letting us into your life and sharing your family's story.

[Linda Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, easy reading, very enlightening

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good friend of mine recently completed this memoir-style book about her and her family’s life which I found to be an incredible and insightful story about life in Cuba. My friend’s name is Betty Viamontes and she is a Tampa resident who has lived in the area for approximately 35 years. Betty and her mother, sister and brother arrived to Florida together during the Mariel boatlift emigration on April 28, 1980. Much of the book is about what happened to her family in the years before this very impactful day (this April marks the 35th anniversary of the Mariel boatlifts).

The majority of the book is based on Betty’s memories of life in Cuba as well as her mother’s journals that her mom kept over the years. The journals that Betty’s mom had written were kept in an old suitcase by her mom and were found by Betty and her siblings on the day their mother passed away, along with letters and notes to family members. The book was initially started after her Mom’s cancer diagnosis about 10 years before her mom passed away. After Betty lost her mom, it was too difficult to continue writing, but after the needed time to heal, she again was inspired, especially after she was able to read the journals which she had not been able to touch for about two years. Betty recently finished the book at the end of February and the reviews since completion have been nothing short of excellent. In addition, with today’s changing political relationship with Cuba, the book is a great read for those who have curiosity about Cuban life and culture or for those who one day would like to visit Cuba.

[Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a very interesting read. The love story was heartfelt, but more so, it is a very clear depiction of the struggles of the Cuban people having gone through such cruel separation of loved ones and the story of those who stayed behind in Havana. In my opinion, Havana, the city itself, was this most critical character of the story going from what was a beautiful and thriving city to a stagnant and forgotten jewel.
Laura's story parallels so much with the actual city of Havana. She is a young beautiful and happy woman, who endures the many years of suffering and struggle under Fidel's communism. She slowly transforms into the aging woman who is consumed with hardship and survival. Yet she is able to keep her inner beauty protected like a treasure in hopes that she will someday reunite with her husband. In same way that the city of Havana has its beauty hidden like a treasure behind the years superficial decay. It is a beautiful city waiting for that moment of freedom and reunification with its people.
This is a great story. I now feel like know so much more of the history of Cuba and that of its people without having yet visited the island.

[Allen Luo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I too came from a communist country of China when I was 16. Unlike the characters in the book, I was fortunate enough to have both of my parents' love and support. After reading this book, it really made me appreciate the "normal" things we take for granted, from a can of soda, ability to buy food we want from a store, to not have to be limited by food rationing (I remember this from childhood), freedom of expression, religion, and a simple telephone call. I will think twice before I complain about any first world problems, such as when the restaurant food isn't to my expectation or why my Apple Facetime picture quality is not 1080P perfect! The main female character's love, courage, dedication and selfless sacrifice for her children and family future and freedom is a true amazing tale of the "American Dream."

[Kayrene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betty Viamontes writes with such clarity and skill. Absolutely loved this story. It is heartbreaking to watch her struggle with life in Cuba, and away from her husband. Loved their determination. This book is a first person account of what life was like after Castro overtook the country. Took away their land, their businesses, their freedom. It is heartbreaking to learn about the true pain that was caused, and even more so to know that it even continues all these many years later. Just horrible to think entire lives are wasted in such bad conditions. Wonderful, wonderful ending; you just wanted to cheer for them! This is a treasure of a story, and it will be one of those books I keep forever. Thank you, Betty Viamontes!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is one by which every turn of the page invites the reader into the house on Zapote Street and into the heart of a woman who selflessly sacrifices everything for her family. It is a novel that shows the strength, love, courage, and determination of a mother, during the harshest of times, to give her children, what is the right of all human beings, the chance for freedom and opportunity. As a reader, you will route for Laura, and be behind her and her family every step of the way.

[Greg Girard · Rating 5 out of 5]

When hopes and dreams are dashed, only character and courage will see this desperate family through. Set in the early days of Castro’s Cuba, we get a fresh perspective and new insight into this tumultuous time. A remarkable story of strength, determination, and the power of love. Historical fiction with a strong tie to current events.

[Jeff Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading history. This book not only details the story of a family separated by politics, but if takes readers through various historical periods, including the day that Castro came to power. The author did an excellent job placing readers on the street of Havana. Excellent read!

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Translation a bit dodgy at times but really good book ahead of trip to Cuba in terms of learning about how the revolution affected and continues to affect the population. True story as well which is always a win

[AnneMarie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting for an easy insight into Cuba - I found it difficult to find historical fiction based in the country - but the book is poorly written and the pacing is off.

[Marigloria Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es un buen libro, sobre todo, es una historia que hay que contarla: Qué pasó con la gente que se quedó en Cuba en los 1960? Qué movió a cientos de miles a cruzar el estrecho de la Florida hasta llegar a Miami en el 1980? Felicito a la autora por escribir esta valiente historia, de la boca de su propia madre, contando "lo bueno, lo malo y lo feo" como dice el dicho en inglés. Sin ánimo de sonar mezquina, solo le quiero decir que la edición en español tiene unos cuantos errores gramaticales y ortográficos, más allá de ser "typos" como por ejemplo confundir la palabra "tiempo" con "hora" que en inglés es lo mismo; traducir "have a good time" como "tendrás un buen tiempo" (lo correcto es "pasar un buen rato" pasarla bien) repetidamente referirse a un "franboyán" (flamboyán), "campamente" y la que más me afectó: La narradora cuenta que su madre era relativamente joven cuando ella se casó en 1964, que tenía 57 años. Más tarde vuelve a referirse a su madre y su edad, cuando dice en 1969, cuando su esposo sale de Cuba, diciendo que tenía 58 años. Este tipo de error es fácil de detectar cuando lo lee alguien por primera vez. Tal vez fue un párrafo que movieron, tal vez fue un error tipográfico. Vi al final que tuvo editores para la versión en español, me parece que el dominio de español de estas personas no es el mejor para editar un libro de esta naturaleza. También le voy a perdonar que se refiera a lo que los cubanos le dicen "guagua" como guagua, autobús y ómnibus, todo en el mismo párrafo. Todos son correctos aunque es un poco desconcertante. Y utilizar la palabra "bobito" (por negligé). Yo sé lo que es, pero me pregunto si otros lectores de habla hispana se quedaron en babia.

[lilian carballo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apasionante...yo de santos suarez..calle rabi cerca de zapotes...me transporte en tiempo y espacio...vivia en cuba cuando el exodo del mariel...fui de las que no pudo salir y vivi aquel horror casi una guerra civil orquestada...por ese grupo de desarmados que aun siguen haciendo daño y exportando su maleficio....me bebi esta historia en una noche y media mañana...no podia parar...felicito a su autora..protagonista tambien de esta historia

Apasionante...soy de santos suarez..calle rabi cerca de zapotes...me transporte en tiempo y espacio...vivia en cuba cuando el exodo del mariel...fui de las que no pudo salir vivi el horror de casi una guerra civil orquestada por el grupo de desarmados...que desgobierna..mi pais y pretende expandir esa desgracia a pueblos hermanos.
Me bebi el libro en una noche y media mañana..no podia parar quede atrapada...felicito a su autora y tambien protagonista de esta historia dura y real.

[Antoine Barthestation · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers an inside look into a family during the Castro years. It's well written and takes a deeper meaning when you know it is the true story of the author (Laura, the main character is her mother).

I put only 3 stars because I liked the book, but I was more looking for a novel that explains the change through Castro. Even though some of those changes are explained in this book, obviously, it is not what transpires most.
The book concentrates too much on family life and what A PARTICULAR family had to go through, rather than the real, economic, social, and political changes of the island during that time.

One again, it is a great book, well written, but not what I was really looking for. Thus the 3 stars.

[Carmen Delgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lagrimas y orgullo.

Lagrimas de dolor por mi pueblo por las vidas truncadas y tanto orgullo de ellos,que es imposible describir. El libro es maravilloso, me ha hecho llorar y vivir la vida de Laura y Tania,gracias por la oportunidad de vivir el amor y la experiencia de Laura y Río gracias por hacerme conocer el dolor de tanta gente.
Un libro maravilloso, me ha hecho llorar y amarlo.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, very well written and based on the author and her family's account of the struggles of her own family and that of the Cuban people during the times of the revolution and beyond where eventually they left their beloved homeland in search of a better life, one of opportunities and freedom

[AmyJMcF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and eye-opening look at life in Castro’s Cubs. I have several Cuban-American friends, some who came to the US during the 1980 Mariel exodus, and their stories corroborate the stories here. I also worked at Tampa General Hospital when this author did, so was eager to read her novel.
Highly recommend.

[Gwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of living in Castro’s Cuba. Husband is able to get to Spain then the US. Wife and kids separated for 12 years until they’re able to get to the US. Based on author’s mother’s story.

[Julio Menendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Very emotional for any Cuban who left the Island after Castro.

[MomofTeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful storytelling! I fell in love with the Cuban people during my trip there last year. I thoroughly enjoyed this book about their resilient spirit.